In any endeavor, the significance of having an exceptional mentor cannot be overemphasized. Crucially, when you're gearing up to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, an outstanding tutor can be the difference between a good and an excellent score. The IELTS is fundamentally designed to measure English language proficiency, and a high score could be your passport to studying or working in an environment where English is the language of communication.

Embarking on the search for an exceptional IELTS prep tutor might resemble an intellectual scavenger hunt, with the treasure at the end being a tutor who is capable of nurturing your language skills and equipping you with the tools to excel in the exam. This quest becomes easier when you understand the critical criteria that form the basis of an excellent tutor.

One of the pivotal points to consider when hiring an IELTS prep tutor is their level of expertise in English language instruction. An English language savant might not necessarily make an effective IELTS prep tutor. This assertion borrows from Robert J. Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of Intelligence, which posits that analytical, creative and practical skills are all integral to intelligence. Applying this theory to the IELTS prep tutor context, it's not enough for the tutor to just understand the English language; they also need to possess practical skills to effectively communicate this understanding and creative skills to make the learning process engaging.

Moreover, the tutor's familiarity with the structure, content, and scoring system of the IELTS exam is paramount. This knowledge cannot be dissociated from the professional experience. The Law of Practice, stemming from the field of psychology, states that the efficiency of performance improves with practice. Therefore, a tutor with extensive experience in IELTS preparation would be better equipped to understand the nuances of the exam and would be more adept at teaching test-taking strategies and techniques.

Understanding the instructional methodology of the potential tutor is also instrumental. This is where the VARK model (Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic) comes into play. Individuals have different learning styles, and an exceptional tutor should be capable of adapting their teaching methodology to cater to these different needs. Thus, a tutor who possesses a deep understanding of the VARK model would be able to deliver personalized instructions, thereby enhancing the learning process.

Moreover, a highly recommended tutor often brings to the table a repertoire of successful track records. A simple cost-benefit analysis, drawn from economics, would imply that hiring a tutor with proven results would increase the probability of achieving your desired IELTS score.

In terms of where to find these exceptional tutors, there is a plethora of resources available. Online platforms such as Preply, iTutorGroup, and Chegg Tutors are rich databases of IELTS prep tutors. The merit of these platforms lies in their review systems. They provide an opportunity to learn from the experiences of previous students, thereby giving insights into the proficiency of the tutor.

However, it's worth noting that while these attributes are imperative, the symbiosis between the learner and the tutor is also key. An exceptional tutor would facilitate an environment conducive to learning. A cognitive constructivism perspective would suggest that the relationship between the tutor and the learner shapes the learning process. Therefore, a tutor who is competent, patient, and supportive would likely foster a better learning environment.

To conclude, the path to acing the IELTS is significantly smoothed by having an exceptional tutor. The process of hiring such a tutor should be meticulous, taking into account their level of expertise, teaching methodology, experience, and interpersonal skills. It is an investment that guarantees a high return in the form of a strong IELTS score and, subsequently, broader prospects for study or work in English-speaking environments.